APDP accuses Army of harassing Kupwara families of disappeared trio

Srinagar, March 28: The Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP) met today to remember the disappeared persons of Jammu and Kashmir.

In a statement to CNS, spokesperson APDP said that on this occasion, the families of the three disappeared Kupwara men namely Ghulam Jeelani Khatana, Mir Hussain Khatana and Ali Mohammad Sheikh, who were disappeared in November 2015 in Kupwara district, addressed the press conference in Srinagar organized be APDP. The families said that Territorial Army’s CO, and Manzoor Ahmad Khwaja (who is the main accused in the disappearance of the three men) and three sources working for the Indian Army namely Khurshid Khatana, Siraj ud Din and Farooq Ahmad Mir are threatening the families to withdraw the case in J & K High Court. One of the threats includes that if the families continue with the case, Ghulam Jeelani would be killed.

“on 27th March 2017, the army searched around Ghulam Jeelani Khatana’s house under the pretext of recovering arms and ammunition. The family lives under the constant state of fear. The family of Ghulam Jeelani has also received threatening phone calls from unknown phone number,” spokesperson said.

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The role of the Kupwara police needs to be investigated as they appear to be protecting the accused and they also warned the families not to pursue the case. The police have also not taken any action regarding the threatening phone calls received by one family.

The families also stated that the trio Khurshid Khatana, Siraj ud Din and Farooq Mir have received huge benefits from the Army.

APDP reiterates its demand for truth and justice in all cases of disappearances in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. (CNS)